OPTIMUM CHOICE OF DETERMINATE TRUSSES UNDER MULTIPLE LOADS

An algorithm for choosing the least-weight statically determined configuration of a given truss under two loading conditions is presented. The procedure is based on modifying the optimal truss, under the same conditions. This latter truss is, in general, indeterminate statiscally and can be easily obtained, using a decomposition method beliefly reviewed in the paper. At every cycle of the procedure one bar (or more) is eliminated, thus yielding an optimal truss with a lower degree of indeterminacy, until the final solution is reached. The relationship between this method and an interactive fully-stressed design procedure is examined, and an example is given. The topology of the problem is covered in an appendix. Extension to more than two loading conditions is suggested. Besides the merits of statically determinate trusses in certain structures and conditions, the least-weight truss and least-weight determinate truss provide useful bounds on the truss weight and can be used as criteria for efficient design. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the ASCE Engineering Mechanics First Speciality Conference, Waterloo University, Waterloo, Ontario, May 26-28, 1976.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Lev, O E
• Publication Date: 1977-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 391-403
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Structural Division
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: ST2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Bridge design; Bridges; Decomposition; Design; Loads; Optimization; Statically determinate frames; Structural analysis; Structural design; Structural engineering; Topography; Trusses; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria
• Old TRIS Terms: Statically determinate structure
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00165377
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE 12739 Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 7 1978 12:00AM